Natural Yarn Dyeing Masterclass 2026 (2-Days)

WITH RIA BURNS

Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th August 2026

£210.00

Hosted by Ria Burns, this two-day masterclass takes a deep dive into natural dyeing with British wool yarns, for beginners or those with some dyeing experience looking to hone their skills.

During the two-day course, participants will learn how to prepare yarn for natural dyeing to get the best results, understand how different British wool yarns behave in the dye pot, and learn how to produce a vibrant range of colours from homegrown and foraged plants, and food waste.

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All profits are donated to charity

Natural Yarn Dyeing Masterclass

Natural Yarn Dyeing Masterclass 2026 (2-Days)

£210.00

£210.00

About the masterclass

On day one, participants will prepare yarns for dyeing by making hanks and undertaking the preparatory steps of scouring and mordanting. They will also be taken on a British wool ‘breed exploration’ exercise, dyeing several different British wool yarns with plants and food waste to see how they vary in the dye pot.

On day two, the prepared yarns from day one will be dyed a spectrum of colours using a range of plants and modifiers. There is also a chance to explore alternative methods of applying natural colour to yarn through bundle dyeing.

Participants will leave with lots of samples, notes, and knowledge to continue their natural dyeing journey at home. This workshop is hands-on, communal, and collaborative, with plenty of opportunities to learn from Ria’s vast experience and knowledge of working with British wool and natural dyes.

About Ria Burns

Ria Burns designs and makes sustainable knitwear in Bristol and launched her brand in 2018. She makes small batches of artisanal clothes from local, traceable wool. After hand dyeing her garments with homegrown and foraged native plants, she handmakes each piece to create a locally made, long-lasting, and unique product that works with, not against, the environment.

Ria’s knitwear is designed for longevity and is made to be cherished, looked after, and passed on. Everything she makes is local and traceable, following the Fibreshed approach of creating soil-to-soil textiles, meaning her knitwear is made from natural fibres and is biodegradable. She also supports regenerative agricultural practices by sourcing her yarn from farms that practice this farming method.

She teaches, lectures, makes and supplies other small businesses with her naturally dyed yarn, and she services knitting machines that need a deep clean!

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Important Information

  • This workshop is aimed at beginners or those with some dyeing experience looking to hone their skills.
  • All materials will be provided.
  • This course will take place at The King’s Foundation Highgrove, Barley Court, Doughton, Tetbury GL8 8TQ.
  • Wear comfortable clothing that you are happy to work practically in. We recommend that you avoid wearing loose sleeves or loose jewellery. A sturdy pair of shoes or boots will need to be worn.
  • Please bring a packed lunch with you each day. There is no cafe on-site, although tea and coffee will be supplied. 
  • If you have any accessibility requirements, please email highgrove@kings-foundation.org.
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